The Investment Management Exhibition (IME) is an international event dedicated to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) held annually in Frankfurt, a global investment hub. This event brings together a diverse array of stakeholders from different countries and sectors to exchange insights on the latest challenges and trends in FDI. Uniting a dynamic conference with an exclusive exhibition, IME gathers public-sector representatives, investors, entrepreneurs, economists, advisors, and, for the first time, regional development agencies.
IME is fully committed to fostering partnerships, facilitating investments, and promoting economic cooperation across regions. Its mission is to enhance competitiveness and create sustainable solutions for future generations. As an umbrella organization based in Brussels, EURADA has supported Europe’s economic appeal for over 20 years through innovation, business cooperation, and capacity building. In this context, EURADA’s new President, Theo Folling, was invited to speak at IME 2024 and share our perspective on the significance of FDI.
In his presentation, Theo highlighted the importance of attracting FDI to regional ecosystems. He emphasized that FDI not only promotes a region but also strengthens the local business environment, incentivizes investment, and enhances local competitiveness. Additionally, FDI contributes to talent and skill development within the region. Theo also discussed the specific benefits FDI brings to regional development, including job creation, skills and knowledge transfer, infrastructure enhancement, economic diversification, increased export activity, and fostering innovation and R&D.
Theo briefly addressed recent developments in FDI in Europe, acknowledging the decline due to factors such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, slow economic growth, persistent inflation, high energy prices, geopolitical uncertainty, and reduced demand for office space. In response, many EU countries have developed a European Economic Security Strategy, reflecting increased caution around national security concerns. The EU has introduced expanded FDI regulations, implementing stricter screening mechanisms to ensure that investments align with security and public order priorities.
In conclusion, Theo highlighted that Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) play a crucial role in attracting FDI and driving regional economic growth. By creating a favorable investment climate, providing targeted support, and aligning regional strengths with global opportunities, RDAs help ensure that FDI contributes meaningfully to regional development. However, attracting sustainable, high-quality FDI remains a complex challenge, requiring coordinated planning at both regional and national levels.
EURADA also hosted a stand at the IME event, where we shared our association’s mission with several attendees. IME offered an exceptional networking opportunity, allowing us to connect with development agencies from Austria and Finland, with hopes of welcoming them as members in 2025.
